fossilized

adjective

ˈfä-sə-ˌlīzd How to pronounce fossilized (audio)
Definition of fossilizednext
as in archaic
having passed its time of use or usefulness fossilized notions about the proper place of women in society

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of fossilized Likewise, primitive asteroidal bodies are somewhat like fossilized remnants of the building blocks of the solar system's planets, including Earth. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 19 June 2026 Scientists recently uncovered fossilized jawbones of Nanaimoteuthis haggarti – a massive, kraken-like octopus that roamed Earth about 72 million years ago. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 4 June 2026 Made from fossilized phytoplankton, DE is approved for organic gardens and can be sprinkled directly onto ant hills to kill ants. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 June 2026 These beaches are some of the best in Florida for finding shells and fossilized shark teeth, especially near the fort and jetties. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for fossilized
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fossilized
  1. archaic
  2. obsolete
  3. antiquated
  4. prehistoric
  5. medieval
Adjective
  • In our era of incessant texting, the concept of these radio missives struck me as both archaic and romantic.
    — Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The archaic legal restrictions restricting same-sex couples or unmarried women, for example, are acknowledged and adhered to, rather than being openly challenged or criticized.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of archaic
Adjective
  • In the Wall Street Journal, James Lloyd Dusenbury recently argued that our political vocabulary, including communism and capitalism, is obsolete.
    — Jason Thurlkill, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
  • While most Apple products stop receiving repairs or replacement parts after being added to the obsolete list, MacBooks may still receive battery replacements for up to 10 years after Apple stops selling them — if batteries are still available.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of obsolete
Adjective
  • The antiquated federal code lacks any guidance for building these homes to withstand earthquakes, wildfires or tornadoes.
    — Arindam Chowdhury, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Adopting techniques from classic-Hollywood style, cinematographers dusted off antiquated equipment, using tungsten bulbs instead of LEDs to create the low-key contrasts typical of the genre.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of antiquated
Adjective
  • That absence presented a problem for scientists trying to understand how the animals spread around the prehistoric world.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • That said, prior archaeological digs have revealed similar prehistoric wooden weapons dating as far back as 400,000 years.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of prehistoric
Adjective
  • It was filmed on two medieval backlots at Korda Studios and the National Film Institute, to the west and north of the city respectively, according to Barbara Reardon, a local co-producer.
    — Lucy Handley, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
  • By the medieval period, Christianity was the dominant religion of Europe, but long-distance travel was extremely difficult, and embarking upon a pilgrimage to Jerusalem was often regarded as a death sentence.
    — Shay Rabineau, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of medieval

Browse Nearby Words

fossil
fossilized
fossils
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fossilized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fossilized. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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